Electronic appliances sales failed to meet expectations in the face of low customer participation at the Dhaka International Trade Fair, despite easing political tensions in the country.
Manufacturers are offering cash incentives and gifts to promote their products and boost sales in an effort to meet sales targets.
"We are failing to meet our sales target due to a low customer turnout," said Shahab Uddin, manager, corporate sales, Electro Mart Ltd, an authorised dealer of Konka, Gree, Haiko and Symphony.
"We have experienced poor sales compared to the first 10 days of the fair last year," he said.
Electro Mart has launched some new home appliances, refrigerators and water purifiers to showcase at the fair and draw buyers' attention.
"We are expecting a boost in sales in the last 10 days of the fair."
The sales of electronic appliances are slow this year compared to the previous year, said Mazharul Hasan, assistant manager of Rangs Electronics, an authorised dealer of Sony.
"Our main target is product branding, not sales. As a long-standing brand in the country, we always try to grab potential buyers' attention by bringing innovative products," Hasan said.
The company launched some new products, high-definition 4K televisions and lens-style cameras, ahead of the fair. The price of a 4K TV is between Tk 5.9 lakh to Tk 27 lakh, while the cameras are priced at Tk 24,000 apiece.
Rangs is offering cash discounts between Tk 3,000 and Tk 1 lakh on the purchase of full high-definition 4K TVs, he said.
The fair experienced a low turnout due to political unrest in the first week, said Zahid Husain Zhelu, senior manger of corporate sales, Esquire Electronics Ltd.
Esquire Electronics Ltd, a distributor of Japanese Sharp Corporation, is selling newly launched televisions that are priced around Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 lower than outlet prices and refrigerators at discounts.
"Although turnout has improved slightly, the companies are not happy with sluggish sales," he said.
Singer Bangladesh, an authorised dealer of a number of global brands such as Samsung, Dell and Siemens, launched new products such as televisions, laptops, refrigerators, mobiles and ovens to meet demand.
"Sales have failed to meet our expectations," said SM Amir, shop manager of Singer Bangladesh.
Turnout is quite unimpressive compared to last year, he said. "We have plans to launch some new products at the fair by the middle of the month-long fair," he said.
Electronics maker Walton has also launched new products like refrigerators, mobiles, and motorbikes, to showcase at the fair, said Golam Kibria, an assistant manager of the company.
"Up until now, we have not met our sales target as few customers came to visit the fair, but we are expecting a boost as turnout is gradually improving."
The 19th edition of the annual fair will remain open from 10am to 10pm daily until February 10.
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